Issue with Electrolux top loading washing machine EWT904
Good day,
I am having a strange issue with my Electrolux washing machine. It appears the brake arm motor is remaining energized when its not supposed to. Even after the cycle is finished, and the power to the machine is removed, it takes around 5 – 10 minutes before I hear the brake arm motor release the brake arm.
I have checked the connections to the brake arm motor – all OK, and at the beginning of the wash cycle it behaves properly (engaging and releasing), but if the brake arm motor has been activated for a long time (i.e. During a spin and drain cycle) when the brake arm should be engaged (for deep rinsing using the agitator) it does not, so the agitator only spins in one direction (causing the clothes to wrap around the agitator).
In case its not clear, I've attached a shot of the bottom of the machine (not my picture by the way) you can see the brake arm "drain" motor in the top right of the drum connected to the brake arm via a cable.
Kind regards,
W.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Electrolux EWT904 brake/drain actuator appears to stay engaged after cycle
- The problem
- On an Electrolux top loading washing machine EWT904, the brake arm motor/drain actuator appeared to remain engaged after use. Even with power removed, the brake only released after about 5 to 10 minutes. At the start of the wash cycle it engaged and released normally, but after being activated for a longer spin/drain period it failed to re-engage properly for agitation, so the agitator turned only one way and clothes wrapped around it.
- Likely cause
- The strongest diagnosis in the discussion was a brake/drain actuator sticking internally when hot, or a stiff brake arm linkage/pivot or weak return spring causing delayed return. A control fault was mentioned as a possibility only if voltage remained present when it should not.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the machine, then check whether the actuator still had voltage after the cycle, and inspect the cable, linkage, pivots and return spring for binding or stiffness. If no voltage was present but the actuator still held on, the actuator itself was considered the likely fault. The exact repair was not confirmed in the thread.
- Checks to try
- Connections to the brake arm motor were checked and reported OK
- Observed that the actuator engaged and released properly at the beginning of the wash cycle
- Observed delayed brake release for 5 to 10 minutes after power was removed
- Suggested check of whether voltage remained at the brake/drain motor after the cycle ends
- Suggested inspection of cable routing, brake arm linkage, pivots and return spring for stiffness or binding
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Brake arm motor / brake-drain actuator
- Cable/linkage
- Return spring
- Meter
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
Hi W,
That does sound like the brake/drain actuator is staying mechanically held rather than being deliberately powered, especially as it only releases several minutes after the machine is switched off. On these top loaders the fault is often either the actuator itself getting hot and sticking, or the linkage/brake mechanism becoming stiff.
Before inspecting anything underneath, isolate the washing machine from the mains.
1. Check whether the actuator is actually still live If you can do so safely with a meter, confirm whether voltage remains at the brake/drain motor after the cycle ends. If there is no voltage present but it still holds for 5–10 minutes, the actuator is likely sticking internally as it cools.
2. Inspect the cable and brake arm linkage Make sure the cable is not frayed, kinked, or routed so it binds when hot. Move the brake arm by hand (with power off) and check for stiffness, roughness or delayed return. A sticky pivot can stop it re-engaging for agitation.
3. Look for overheating of the actuator If the brake motor/actuator has been energised for a long spin/drain and then fails to return promptly, its internal coil or plunger may be overheating and sticking. That would fit your symptoms quite well.
4. Check the return spring and pivots A weak spring or gummed-up pivot can mean it works cold, then fails once warm. Clean and lightly free off the mechanism if accessible.
5. Control fault still possible If voltage does remain present when it should not, the control board or switching device may be holding it on. That needs proper electrical diagnosis.
From what you’ve described, I would be most suspicious of the brake/drain actuator or a sticking linkage rather than wiring. If you’re not confident with live testing, it would be best to get a qualified appliance engineer in, especially for any mains electrical diagnosis.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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